Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Bandit127 on 23 February 2009, 20:08:09

Title: Have to stand on my brakes first thing
Post by: Bandit127 on 23 February 2009, 20:08:09

Hi all.

A problem on and off for a while now. Searching previous posts didn't bring an answer, so...

If I set off first thing while the revs are still high (on the choke, so to speak) the brake pedal sits higher and feels harder than normal . And braking effort is much reduced, requiring quite a lot of pressure to stop in any sort of hurry. This doesn't happen if I let it warm up.

This is not a problem after subsequently starting - say to go home from work. Even when the "choke" is on.

I am assuming that this is a slow leak on the non return valve to the brake servo? If so, does anyone have tips for getting the old one off and fitting a new one without creating new leak? New hoses maybe?

And am I right in thinking that this is the plug in valve about 10 cm along the vacuum supply to the servo?

TIA.

Title: Re: Have to stand on my brakes first thing
Post by: vauxfan2k on 23 February 2009, 20:16:37

Stuck slides on the calipers can give a hard pedal, maybe when they warm up they are moving a little,

I stripped mine down and cleaned and re-greased them, brakes are far more responsive.

Title: Re: Have to stand on my brakes first thing
Post by: big-o-bob on 23 February 2009, 20:54:52

I had this problem on my previous omega, and a vectra I had previous to that.

It was almost like trying to brake with the engine switched off (When the car was first started - cold).

It only happened, for 1/4 of a mile or so, until the engine slightly warmed.  I never found out what it was, so best of luck, I'm sure some of the helpful guy's on here do know.

Title: Re: Have to stand on my brakes first thing
Post by: TheBoy on 23 February 2009, 21:19:59

Poor vacuum?

Title: Re: Have to stand on my brakes first thing
Post by: Matchless on 23 February 2009, 22:02:46

Revs shouldnt be too high, perhaps 750 after a cold start rapidly falling to 500-600, not like the days of carbs and chokes.

It does sound like an air (vacuum) leak in the servo pipe, non-return valve or servo. If so it could recur at any time so check it out before lack of brakes hurts someone.

Look for splits in the main vac pipe, check the gromit into the servo, look for worn parts on the vac pipe. Has the plennum been off recently? All 6 O rings back in place properly?

Title: Re: Have to stand on my brakes first thing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 23 February 2009, 22:09:37

yep..my brakes are also weak and need more force after a cold start for some distance..

discovered that some pumping in pedal before the trip helps a bit.. :-/

ps: this mostly happen when car is left for few days..